A career in chiropractic care demands extensive knowledge of the human body, especially the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Pursuing this path goes beyond earning a degree. It requires years of focused education, hands-on clinical experience, and the skills to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Understanding the academic path and the degree needed to be a chiropractor is essential for anyone aiming to build a successful and rewarding career in this field. This guide explains the educational requirements and professional training necessary to become a licensed chiropractor.
What Degree Is Required to Become a Chiropractor?
To become a licensed chiropractor, you must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. The D.C. program is a specialized graduate degree designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. This program typically takes four years to complete, and it includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Life Chiropractic College West brings a Doctor of Chiropractic program that combines rigorous academic coursework with practical, real-world experience. Our program is structured to make sure that graduates are well-prepared for a successful career in chiropractic care.
Prerequisites for Admission
Before entering a Doctor of Chiropractic program, you must complete certain educational requirements. Most chiropractic colleges, including Life Chiropractic College West, require that applicants have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework.
While a specific major is not required, many students pursuing chiropractic school have backgrounds in fields such as biology, kinesiology, or health sciences.
Some of the required courses for admission include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
Though a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory for chiropractic school admission, having one can be beneficial. A well-rounded education with a focus on science provides a solid foundation for the intensive chiropractic curriculum.
Chiropractic Curriculum Breakdown
Once admitted to a Doctor of Chiropractic program, students begin a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach them both the theory and practice of chiropractic care. The curriculum is typically divided into two phases: the basic science phase and the clinical phase.
Basic Science Phase (First Two Years)
In the first two years, students focus on the foundational sciences that are essential for understanding how the body works. These courses cover topics such as:
- Anatomy: Understanding the structure of the human body, including bones, muscles, and organs, is crucial for chiropractors.
- Physiology: This course focuses on how the body’s systems function and interact, particularly the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
- Biochemistry and Biomechanics: These subjects help students understand the chemical processes and physical forces at play in the human body.
- Pathology: Students learn to recognize and understand diseases and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and other parts of the body.
- Neurology: Since chiropractic care often focuses on spinal health and the nervous system, neurology courses are essential for understanding how the nervous system functions.
Clinical Phase (Last Two Years)
The clinical phase of the Doctor of Chiropractic program moves students from classroom learning to practical, hands-on experience. In this phase, students work directly with patients in a clinical setting, applying their knowledge under the guidance of skilled chiropractors.
Key areas of study in the clinical phase include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Students learn various spinal manipulation techniques, which are central to chiropractic care. This includes techniques for adjusting the spine to relieve pain and improve movement.
- Diagnosis and Patient Care: In this course, students learn to assess patients’ conditions through physical exams, medical histories, and diagnostic tests.
- Radiology: Students learn how to interpret X-rays and other imaging techniques to identify misalignments, fractures, and other issues in the musculoskeletal system.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Chiropractic care often includes rehabilitative exercises and therapy to help patients recover from injuries. Students learn to design and implement effective physical therapy programs.
- Clinical Internships: One of the most important components of the clinical phase is the internship. Students spend significant time working in Life Chiropractic College West’s health center, applying their knowledge to real patient cases.
Licensure and Certification
After completing a Doctor of Chiropractic program, graduates must pass a series of exams to become licensed to practice chiropractic care. In the United States, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) administers these exams.
The board exams test students on a range of topics, including:
- Basic sciences
- Clinical sciences
- Chiropractic techniques
- Patient management
Once a graduate passes these exams, they must meet state-specific licensing requirements to practice as a chiropractor in their state. State requirements may vary. Therefore, it is important to research the licensing requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
Continuing Education and Specialization
Chiropractors are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in the field. Continuing education opportunities are available through professional organizations, chiropractic schools, and seminars.
Chiropractors can also choose to specialize in areas such as:
- Sports Chiropractic: Focusing on treating athletes and sports-related injuries.
- Pediatric Chiropractic: Specializing in the chiropractic care of children.
- Geriatric Chiropractic: Focusing on elderly patients and age-related conditions.
- Neurology: Specializing in the nervous system and neurological disorders.
Career Outlook for Chiropractors
The career outlook for chiropractors is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of chiropractors is expected to grow in the coming years due to an increasing demand for non-invasive, drug-free healthcare options.
Chiropractors have the opportunity to work in private practice, group practices, sports organizations, rehabilitation centers, and wellness clinics.
The average annual wage for chiropractors in the United States is around $70,000, but it can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialization. Chiropractors who own their practices may earn more, particularly if they have a strong patient base.
Pursuing a career as a chiropractor demands commitment, perseverance, and a solid educational background. The degree needed to be a chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic, which combines extensive study with hands-on clinical experience. Life Chiropractic College West’s Doctor of Chiropractic program equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional training required to thrive in this rewarding healthcare profession.
If you are ready to begin your chiropractic education, request more information, schedule a visit, or apply now to take the first step toward a rewarding career in chiropractic care.
